Glasgow University honours noted Omani NRI

P. Mohammed Ali, Oman's best known NRI and leading entrepeneur, has been awarded the prestgious degree of Honorary Doctorate of Science by the Glasgow Caledonian University, one of the largest in Scotland which was created 1875. "It's a rare distinction for a non-resident Indian which has done our community in the Sultanate proud," Indian Charge d'Affaires Abdul Khalique told Gulf News yesterday.

In his congratulatory message to Dr Mohammed Ali, who was awarded the doctorate degree in Glasgow on Tueday at a ceremony attended by more than 3,000 people, Khalique wrote: "This decision represents an eloquent acknowldegement of your passion for education, techincal education in particular."

Khalique said Mohammed Ali, a typical untiring Keralite who loves his roots, will be honoured by the community once he returns from Scotland. Dr Satish Nambiar, President of the Indian Social Club, said Mohammed Ali fully deserved this unique honour not only for his commiment to the promotion of education here in Oman and at home in India, but also for his philanthropic work.

"His services for the welfare of the community are memorable and cherishable," he said.
Mohammed Ali, 52, came to Oman in 1972 as a civil engineer and went on to build the Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company LLC from scratch to a giant with a workforce of 7,000 in Oman and 11,000 worldwide. The group also operates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar,Yemen, Brunei, Darussalam and India.